Sherrick McManis (27) celebrates after his interception in the first quarter of a preseason game against the Eagles.

Sherrick McManis (27) celebrates after his interception in the first quarter of a preseason game against the Eagles. (Chris Sweda / Chicago Tribune)

Check out Matt Bowen's four takeaways from Bears preseason so far.

The Bears' prospects at free safety and special teams not looking so good.

Preseason tape in the NFL doesn't tell the entire story because of limited game plans that focus on individual technique while coaches experiment with concepts on both sides of the ball.

However, after three exhibition games (including a rough night in Seattle), here are four takeaways on the Bears as they prepare to wrap up the preseason Thursday night against the Browns.

Nickel pass-rush depth

Third down in the NFL is viewed as the money down, with teams building their defensive rosters to apply front-four pressure out of their sub packages while leaning on coverage (Cover-2, Cover-3) in the secondary.

Plus, don't forget about Trevor Scott. The veteran pickup at defensive end had an impressive camp in Bourbonnais and has made some plays in exhibition games. He can be used in a rotational role in nickel packages.

Stopping the run is crucial for any defense, but you win games by getting off the field on third down. And with a back seven that has looked shaky in the preseason, the Bears need production up front when they go to nickel personnel.

Free safety competition

The competition at free safety has been a discussion point since the start of offseason workouts, but three weeks into the preseason, is there an answer at a position that lacked consistency and playmaking talent in 2013?

Preseason starter Danny McCray was signed to contribute on special-teams units. Fourth-round rookie Brock Vereen hasn't flashed in the preseason. And Chris Conte, in his return to the field Friday night, left the game with a concussion.

Vereen has the skill set and speed to develop into a starter for the Bears, but with any rookie, the transition to the pro game can take some time.

Looking at Conte, the fourth-year veteran had an opportunity to make a real push for the No. 1 job, but with his limited reps, and questions now on availability, all signs point to McCray being the opening-day starter.

The Bears need a safety in the middle of the field who can tackle at the second level, limit the vertical passing game and make plays on the ball.

Top-tier special-teams coverage units are developed with talent from the linebacker corps and the secondary.

Those backups (and starters) on defense make tackles on kickoff coverage, get down the field on punt team and show the ability to play with lane discipline/contain responsibility at the point of attack.

Sherrick McManis has had an excellent preseason and should be viewed as one of those core players on special teams, but where is the rest of the talent to cover kicks?

Think of second-year linebackers Khaseem Greene and Jon Bostic, Shea McClellin, undrafted rookie Christian Jones, first-round pick Kyle Fuller (when he returns from injury) and the four safeties expected to make the roster.

After a suspect preseason in which opposing teams gashed the Bears' coverage units, special-teams coach Joe DeCamillis needs to find a core group of players who can run, defeat blocks and square up the returner to make a tackle in the open field.

Consistently putting your defense in adverse field position is an easy way to lose games. This is an area of concern for the Bears that must be corrected.

Clausen No. 2 quarterback

With the Bears releasing veteran Jordan Palmer on Sunday, Clausen takes over as the No.2 quarterback behind starter Jay Cutler.

Clausen has shown confidence throwing the deep ball (fade route, corner route) this preseason, he is quick with his reads and his footwork has improved under coach Marc Trestman.

Plus, the Notre Dame product has welcomed the challenged of learning and developing in a new system since signing as a free agent during minicamp.

With Clausen, I see a quarterback who could manage the offense and produce points if given the opportunity to work with Brandon Marshall, Alshon Jeffery, Matt Forte and Martellus Bennett if starter Jay Cutler were to miss time.

And while there is going to be a drop-off from No. 1 to No. 2 quarterback across the league, Clausen has proved he can move the ball and make the necessary throws to lock up a No. 2 job.

Special contributor Matt Bowen spent seven seasons in the NFL as a strong safety. He covers the NFL for Bleacher Report.

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